Water Pump Gasket, install with or without silicon sealer

Used to do a very thin skim coat of ultra black only around the water ports, let it skin on both sides of the gasket and torque, never an issue. Last go around I used high tack instead, no issues. I also use Permatex white thread sealant on bolts, plugs, sending units, nipples etc. No leaks ever. You can make anything work fine if used correctly (that means sparingly and the part installed at the right time)